Volunteers are the heart of the 4-H program.Extension offices across the state rely on volunteers to extend the reach of their Cooperative Extension programs. It is imperative that volunteers get the proper resources, tools and information to teach 4-H members and other extension clientele. In February 2018, a core group of extension agents (including both Warren County 4-H Agents) hosted the Kentucky Volunteer Forum in Lexington, KY to provide a wide range of workshop topics to volunteer leaders as well as networking and recognition events. The three-day conference broke previous records of attendance with 1,108 participants, an increase of 32% over the last forum in 2016. Both Janet and Julie, Warren County 4-H Agents, served in key leadership roles as co-chairs of the workshop committee.  To meet the needs of a large audience, Janet and Julie identified and recruited 146 workshops focusing on 18 different tracks. This required nearly 10 months of committee work and many hours recruiting presenters. Participants reported the following gains after attending the forum, 93% stated they learned about new programs, were motivated and inspired, gained new information and skills, and enjoyed the networking events.  

The Warren County 4-H Agents recruited thirty-two local 4-H volunteers to attend the forum. This included eight workshop presenters, 9 teens, and five award winners.  Warren County volunteers taught the following workshops: Shooting Sports- Teaching beyond the Basics (3), Shooting Sports- Optimal State of Mind, Shooting Sports- Project ChildSafe, The E’s of Alpacas and Llamas, 4-H Felting Workshop, and Drop Spindle Spinning. Eighty-seven percent of the Warren County volunteers indicated they increased their leadership skills, and plan to implement what they learned in their 4-H clubs.